A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 506

Seeing Rowan's wicked smile, Rex knew the man had dug a trap and was just waiting for him to jump in.

And worst of all, he had no choice but to take the bait.

Rex looked at him warily. "What's the catch? Are you going to be a greedy landlord and multiply the rent by a thousand?"

"Of course not. We're brothers, aren't we?"

Rowan smiled with utmost sincerity. "Besides, it's just pocket change. I wouldn't stoop that low."

Ha.

Typical of the head of the Murphy family.

He didn't even bat an eye at millions of dollars.

Yet, coming from him, it didn't sound arrogant at all—just purely factual.

Mentally taking notes on how to be that smug, Rex asked, "Then what do you want?"

He was certain Rowan was plotting something nefarious.

And Rowan didn't disappoint. "You're pretty good at sweet-talking my grandmother. Figure out a way to get her to fake an illness."

Rex knew he was talking about Mrs. Garrett. He frowned. "Fake an illness?"

Rowan nodded, completely unashamed. "Yeah, fake an illness."

Looking into those sharp eyes, Rex instantly understood. "Oh, you sly dog. You're trying to trick Elissa into moving to Rivercross Residence, aren't you?"

A few days ago, when Janice was home alone, she had nearly tumbled down the stairs.

Worried for her safety, Rowan had moved her to Rivercross Residence.

At least there, someone would be around to take her to the hospital if something went wrong.

Rowan neither confirmed nor denied it, simply throwing him a cool glance. "Just tell me, are you renting the place or not?"

"..."

Rex cursed silently.

Poor Elissa. She was being targeted by the biggest, baddest wolf of them all.

With all this scheming and deceit, how could the poor girl possibly stand a chance?

If she were his sister, he would never agree to this.

He answered, but Elissa didn't speak immediately. It sounded like she was settling into a comfortable spot before her voice, husky with steam, finally came through.

"No wonder you weren't afraid of any nasty rumors."

Because Paige Jensen wasn't his biological grandmother at all.

Elissa had only pieced it together in the shower. She wasn't angry that he had kept it a secret; rather, she felt overwhelmingly relieved.

Relieved that he shared no blood with Paige.

This way, no matter what happened, Rowan wouldn't be dragged down by the fallout.

Rowan thought she was upset and didn't rush to explain. He merely said softly, "Dry your hair first, or come over and let me do it."

His deep, patient voice lacked the icy edge he usually reserved for everyone else.

Elissa thoroughly enjoyed it, her voice softening. "I'm not coming over. Rex is there with you."

Ever since she got pregnant, Tanya had refused to let her lock the bathroom door, terrified she might slip or faint.

So tonight, after parting on bad terms with Rex, Tanya had announced her presence, pushed the bathroom door open a crack, and aggressively vented to Elissa about Rex's entitled playboy attitude while she showered.